Mystics keep slim playoff hopes alive, beat Liberty 75-62

NEW YORK (AP) Stefanie Dolson scored a career-high 23 points, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt had a season-best 19 points and the Washington Mystics kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 75-62 victory over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night.

The Mystics need to win their final two games and have eighth-place Phoenix lose its final three to make the playoffs.

New York lost its first game under associate head coach Katie Smith. Head coach Bill Laimbeer, who handed over the reins for one night, will be credited with the loss. The Liberty had already clinched the third seed in the postseason.

The Mystics made a 3-pointer on three straight possessions - two by Ally Malott - to extend their lead to 34-21 midway through the second quarter. Washington led by double digits the entire second half.

Washington (13-19), which is ranked ninth in the AP power poll, made 10 of 27 3-point attempts.